Why Hanuman is known as Balaji? – Reason and Story of the Name Balaji Hanuman

In some regions of India, Hanuman is referred to as Balaji
Hanuman. Today, the term Balaji is more popularly used to refer to Lord
Venkateswara worshipped in the Tirumala Tirupati Temple. But why is Hanuman
known as Balaji. The reason and story of the name Balaji Hanuman is associated
with the childhood of Anjaneya.

Hanuman is known as Balaji because of the miracles he
performed during his childhood. Devotees are addressing child Hanuman through
the name – Bala ji.

Balaji Hanuman is worshiped at Mehndipur in Rajasthan. It is
believed that Vayu Bhagavan carried Hanuman to the lap of his mother at
Mehndipur. This incident happened after child Hanuman attempted to swallow the sun and Indra hit him with his Vajra or lightning sword.

The childhood of Hanuman is worshipped and celebrated in
these regions as Balaji – especially in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and
many other regions in North India.

Balaji is also worshiped for a unique reason – for exorcising
people from evil spirits. It is believed that Hanuman had appointed Pretraj
Sarkar as the king of ghosts. They together relieves people who are possessed by
evil spirits and ghosts.